Glaucous Macaw
The glaucous Macaw can be described as one of the rarest birds in the world. It is critically endangered and could be extinct.
Lolita blue & gold macaw has been observed by aviculturists from various countries However, the most recent sighting was recorded in 1992. The alleged sighting was reported to have occurred in the southwestern region of Paraguay close to the city of Corrientes. The bird was a male.
Origin
The Glaucous Macaw is a parrot native to South America. It is threatened. This majestic bird is distinguished by a blue feather pattern, and a powerful beak capable of cracking open nuts and seeds. Glaucous Macaws are monogamous pairs and both parents tend the chicks. They feed the chicks a diet of regurgitated food for the first few weeks after birth, and later they begin eating solid foods as they develop. The parents also play a crucial role in teaching the young macaws how to fly and forage.
The glaucous Macaw is extinct, but rumors about its existence continue to spread all over the world. It is estimated that the glaucous macaw extinct in the 1800s due to cattle grazing and logging in yatay palm (Butia yatay) groves, where these birds typically gathered their food. It is currently believed that the glaucous Macaw has returned to captivity, where it is often raised alongside its larger relative Lear's macaw.
The glaucous Macaw is found in sub-tropical rainforests in South America. They are usually located in areas where there are many palm trees. They are also known to be very adaptable to various types of forest habitats. These beautiful birds can be territorial and will defend the nesting and feeding area from intruders.
In the past, there have been numerous reports on the glaucous Macaw however they are generally not considered reliable. The most recent wild claim was made by an avicultural acquaintance of Ridgely who claimed to have spotted four Glaucous Macaws in Califomia. This is completely untrue until it is confirmed with hard evidence. Many experts have concluded that this bird is likely to be extinct since there are no evidence of it in the last century. However they have been willing accept a remote chance of its survival. If it is able to survive it is highly unlikely to be seen in huge numbers.
Habitat
The glaucous macaw is a striking bird that is renowned for its size and dazzling turquoise-blue coloration. Its long tail and wings accentuate its graceful and agile moves. This bird is also an emblem of loyalty and love. Its beak, which is primarily black, has a distinct shape and allows it to break seeds and nuts. They are a significant portion of its diet.
The Glaucous Macaw is considered Critically Endangered by the IUCN which states that it has a small population and is at a high risk of extinction. The species was previously relatively widespread, but it is only found in northern Argentina as well as southern Paraguay and north-eastern Uruguay and Brazil from Parana state southwards, where it nestted in cliffs along major rivers.
Although there have been no reliable sightings of this species since 1830, the Glaucous Macaw seemed not to be a rare species in its relatively limited range; specimens were collected until 1860 (in Corrientes). The last known living Glaucous Macaw was seen at the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1936 and is believed to have come from Brazil.
Re-evaluation of the historical documents suggests that this species was a rather generalist in its habitat preferences with a preference for the savanna ecosystem, which was interspersed with palm "islands" and forests of riparian along rivers. It was a specialised eater of palm fruits, especially those of the chatay palm (Butia yatay), but it could also consume ripe and unripe fruits as well as berries, nuts and vegetable matter. It nests on slopes that are steep on cliffs, in cliffs, and occasionally in tree cavities.
This bird was likely gregarious and social, similar to other parrots. It was able to live up to 14.8 years in captivity and was believed to be a dependable breeder, reproducing year after year. The life expectancy of this species in the wild was perhaps between 50 and 80 years. The species was a strong disperser of seeds, and could have contributed towards the success of the palm yatay in its natural habitats.
Feeding
The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is among the most stunning of the parrot species and its presence has a powerful impact in its surroundings. This huge South American parrot is known for its vibrant blue feathers, bright yellow eyes, and the teardrop-shaped lipped on the lower portion of its beak.
Until recently very little was known about the diet of the Glaucous Macaw. The earliest detailed references that I have come across are two works by H.W. Bates' "The Naturalist on the amazons" first published in 1863, describes his 11-year stay in Brazil. Later in his book "As Birds of the Brazilian Forests" He wrote about the similar experience. Both of these references to the Hyacinthine Macaw (Anodorhynchus aureolarius), but I have no reason to believe that they're not applicable to this species.
The Glaucous macaw is believed to be a specialist feeder, taking only palm nuts however, there were also small amounts of other seeds, fruits and other matter. The diet of this species was likely affected by the clearing of forests for agriculture and cattle-ranching by early colonists, and the removal of yatay (Butia) palms from which it received much of its nutrition.
In the wild it was commonplace to see the Glaucous macaw in subtropical forests and savannahs where palm trees were present. It nestled in tree cavities or on rocky banks or palm fronds. The female incubates and lays two eggs on average.
The young Glaucous Macaws rely on their parents for care until they fly and are fully grown. Both the males and females are very dedicated to their offspring, and hunt for food and defend them from predators.
Unfortunately unfortunately, the Glaucous Macaw has been extirpated from the majority of its previous range. The disappearance of this majestic bird is likely due to the ongoing trapping of pets for the pet trade, as well as disturbance of habitat, especially the wholesale removal of yatay palms which it may have obtained its primary food source. The Glaucous Macaw is classified as Critically Endangered.
Breeding
Glaucous Macaws are monogamous, long-term couples. Both parents are involved in raising their young. They breed in the dry season, when food is most abundant. The female will lay two to three eggs which are incubated by the mother for around 28 days. For the first few weeks after hatching the chicks are fed by the parents through regurgitation. The young macaws then begin exploring and learning to feed themselves. They also learn to fly and forage.
The glaucous Macaw is highly social bird. They are active during daylight hours and rest at night. They often seek refuge in tree cavities or other suitable nesting places to sleep. They are very vocal and their calls can be heard throughout the forest during the day.
The species is expected to recover from the decline, but it is in danger of being wiped out by habitat loss illegal trapping of the bird to sell on the pet market and deforestation. It is estimated that there are just 20 glaucous macaws living in the wild. The IUCN classifies the bird as "Critically Endangered, possibly extinct."
The glaucous macaw, sometimes referred to as Lear's Macaw or blue-throated Hummingbird is distinguished by its vibrantly blue feathers. It is a large bird, with a length of 70 centimeters and has a sturdy beak that is able to break open hard nuts and seeds. This gorgeous bird is native to South America and can be found in a variety of habitats such as grasslands, lowland forests and wetlands.
This magnificent bird is a symbol of South American biodiversity. Its appearance is elegant with its slim body, light weight and bright blue feathers. Its black and curved beak allows it to break open seeds and nuts which comprise a significant portion of its diet. It is a stunning bird, and is frequently featured in bird shows. It is also popular in captivity, where it can live for a lifetime.